Architecture in Helsinki II

^{THE BUILDING}
This photo is of the interior of the National Library of Finland (previously the Helsinki University Library), located in the city centre of Helsinki, on the corner of Senaatintori.

The library book collection started in 1640, with only 20 books, but grew rapidly through donations and deposits. However in 1827, a year before the university moved from Turku to Helsinki, nearly the entire collection was destroyed in a fire, and had to be started over. Today the library collection consists of over 2,9 million books, in addition to electronic, and other material.

The oldest item in the library is a papurys collection from the 3rd century Before the Common Era, and the oldest complete book is from the year 1467.

The main library building was designed by the architect Carl Ludvig Engel, and was built in 1840-45. The building is one of the best known examples of the late 19th century Empire style in Finland and an important example of European official library buildings of its time. This photo is from the heart of the library, the Cupola Hall.

<sup>Source: nationallibrary.fi
Thanks to *Purelily for "BCE"!


THE SERIES</sup>
I've only recently fully opened my eyes to the amazing architecture I'm surrounded by in my new hometown, and I'll be posting a series of photographs showing some of its beauty. This is my way of getting to know this city and its history better, and who knows.. maybe you'll find it interesting as well

Architecture in Helsinki I -Kiasma, the museum of Modern Art
Architecture in Helsinki II -The National Library of Finland
Architecture in Helsinki III -Apartment building: Hämeentie 14